During their meeting, ministers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between the provinces in an effort to stem escalating gang violence.

The western ministers will act on the following priorities:

• The fast tracking of federal legislative reforms including credit for time served, use of wiretap evidence, disclosure rules and bail reform;
• Enhancing interagency collaboration to identify and target gangs and organized crime; and
• Quarterly ministerial meetings to address immediate and emerging priorities.

Ministers recognized the importance of continuing a strong provincial legislative approach and the need to share best practices in western Canada. This includes provincial legislation that covers:

• Armoured vehicles and fortified buildings;
• Regulating the sale and possession of body armour;
• Civil approaches to target properties used for illegal activities; and
• Provincial witness protection programs.

The agenda at the next quarterly meeting scheduled in June will focus on:

• Enhanced integration and cooperation between police, Crown prosecutors and court systems;
• Improved interprovincial intelligence information gathering and sharing; and
• Addressing root causes of crime in communities and increasing Aboriginal input and participation in the justice system.

Ministers decided against the idea of a regional remand centre to house high-risk adult gang members. Provinces will continue with existing remand models while promoting the sharing of best practices regarding intelligence gathering and exploring cooperative approaches to gang management within correctional facilities. Ministers will also examine joint training opportunities for police and peace officers.

A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed by the end of the year.